PARABLE OF THE SOWER – ‘SCATTER, SCATTER & GATHER, GATHER’
Mt 13.1-23 Is 55.10-11 Rom 8.18-23
This Gospel always takes me back to Father Len Thomas’s 25th anniversary Mass in July 1990, at Hadfield, where he wandered around the church after the Gospel, acting out the sower scattering the seeds. (I don’t think he had real seeds to spread around, though!). He used the image to indicate the various parishes to which he had been appointed, and identifying various parishioners in the crowd, from past and present, whom he fondly remembered! While the details of his homily are lost to me now, and may have been then, also, the words ‘scatter, scatter’ and ‘gather, gather’ remain etched in my memory, as Len happily engaged and amused the crowd gathered to celebrate. His point was well made, that, wherever he went, he had an impact on people, and they on him, imparting the Gospel throughout his friendly ministry, and humorous, inimitable manner.
By this stage of his priesthood, he was just about to take on chaplaincy to the mentally ill, which he did so well, with humour and compassion for many years, until his retirement, always smiling and with a simple message that Jesus loves all, particularly those on the fringe, and in difficulty. I recall supplying for Masses for him a few times at Mont Park/Larundel (Psychiatrric Centre), and it was certainly a different, and enlightening experience!
He once gave me a copy of his 2005 personal memoir, ‘Free to Be Priest’, with the words inscribed: “To John H, Thanks for being one of those who frees me to continue sprinkling and scattering”!
Now, as we move into the parables in Matthew’s Gospel, we see Jesus, in a down to earth way, explains the mysteries of the kingdom, with reference to natural examples of life and growth. We all know about the simple seed that has to break open to generate new life and ultimately to produce the good fruit at the end of the process. It’s not automatic, and doesn’t happen, without nurturing and assistance all the way through, with water and good soil providing nutrition.
And so, in Christian life, the guarantee of a productive result is attention to what is needed along the way, this being encouragement, determination and focus on what matters most. At the heart of it is Jesus’ commendation of the person who responds to his question about the most important law, that being to love God with all one’s heart and soul and mind and strength, as well as loving one’s neighbour as oneself. Good things don’t just happen, but have to be worked for, don’t we all know?!
The various landing points for the scattered seed depict the hazards of life, as they appear. The seed that sits on top of the path is just a gift for the hungry birds passing by, so they get the benefit! Then the rocky soil is thin, providing insufficient nutrition for proper growth, so that there’s a start, but not continuity to productivity. The earth is scorched and the plants wilt and wither in the hot sun. Then there is the competition with the thorns which got there first, and so claim the right to thrive first, so that there is no room for proper growth of the seeds caught up there.
The human application is clear enough, as Jesus reverts to explaining, after presenting a rationale for teaching in parables. There is no guarantee of success, without faithful, affirmative response to the words and call of Jesus, to follow him in the path of discipleship, and to spread that word ourselves. It’s easy enough to be diverted in the present moment by what we wish to do, without looking beyond ourselves, rather than focussing on his message of patience, trust and fidelity, in taking his word to heart. Initial enthusiasm is all very well, but there needs to be a longer term commitment to following through, in applying his words in action.
The thorns symbolise the temptations of life, as they appear, often unannounced, and blocking the way to making good choices, and deciding on priorities. As I often say, it’s all very well to pray not to be led into temptation, but it’s just not as simple as that, in real life! Human weakness is a natural part of us all, and the challenge is how we deal with temptations, as they keep popping up here, there and everywhere!
The main difference, when translating into the human situation, is that there is always the chance for getting back on track, with the ever-present promise of correction, repentance, forgiveness, and so, another chance. All is not lost, when mistakes are made and sins committed through human weakness or wilfulness.
Ultimately, I see it as producing the good fruits of the Spirit, as Paul sums them up: “love, peace, joy, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and finally, self-control” (Gal 5.22-23). If only these qualities were reflected in every life, then the world would have to be a better place! It’s just that it’s all far more easily said than done.
The imagery of Isaiah also points to the simple facts of nature, that the rain and snow (not so much here!) descend upon the earth to water the earth, in order to produce growth of the grain and so bread for food. The parallel is then that the word of the prophet is not to disappear into thin air, but to reach the ears of believers, and encourage them to respond in faith by the lives they lead and the choices they make for good over evil, and for the good of others, not just themselves.
Quoting the Jerome Biblical Commentary: “The word comes gently from God, never intended to remain suspended like clouds in midair, but to soak the earth and to be drawn back toward God, like plants and trees. God’s spirit is infused within human beings, where it brings forth divine fruits.”
So here we are, as people of the Word, challenged once again to continue to spread and scatter it, as Good News, wherever we are, and wherever we go.
john hannon 12th July 2026